The main ways to send cash when you don't have a bank account

You can send money without a bank account through money transfer services, prepaid cards, wire transfer companies, and cash pickup locations. The method you choose depends on where the money is going, how fast it needs to arrive, and how much it costs. Some services let the person on the receiving end pick up cash at a physical location; others deposit directly into their bank account or onto a card.

The most common services are Western Union, MoneyGram, and Walmart-to-Walmart transfers. These let you walk into a store, hand over cash, and have the recipient pick it up at another location within hours. Other options include Wise (formerly TransferWise) for international transfers, PayPal for people you know, and prepaid debit cards that you can load with cash and give to someone else to use.

Key Takeaways

  • Money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram let you send cash from one location and have the recipient pick it up at another, usually within hours.
  • Walmart-to-Walmart transfers are often cheaper than Western Union or MoneyGram, especially for amounts under $1,000.
  • Prepaid debit cards loaded with cash work for sending money to someone you trust, since they can use the card to spend or withdraw the funds.
  • International transfers through services like Wise or Western Union cost more but let you send money across borders without a bank account on either end.
  • Each service charges a fee based on the amount sent and the destination; comparing fees before you send saves money on larger amounts.

Money transfer services at retail locations

Western Union and MoneyGram operate in thousands of retail stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies across the United States. You walk in with cash, provide the recipient's name and location, pay the transfer fee, and the money is available for pickup within minutes to a few hours. The recipient goes to any Western Union or MoneyGram location in their area, gives their name and the reference number you receive, and collects the cash.

Fees vary by amount and destination. For a $100 domestic transfer, you might pay $5 to $15 depending on how fast you need it to arrive. International transfers cost more — sending $100 to Mexico or Central America typically runs $10 to $25. Both services let you send money online if you have a debit card, but since you don't have a bank account, the in-store cash option is your route.

The main limitation is that the recipient must be able to reach a Western Union or MoneyGram location. If they live in a rural area or don't have transportation, this method may not work. Also, the recipient needs a valid ID to pick up the money, so you cannot send cash to someone without identification.

Walmart-to-Walmart and store-based transfers

Walmart-to-Walmart transfers work similarly to Western Union but are often cheaper. You go to the money center in any Walmart, hand over cash, provide the recipient's name and which Walmart they will visit, and pay a flat fee. For domestic transfers under $1,000, Walmart charges $3 to $8 depending on the amount. The recipient picks up the cash at their local Walmart within minutes.

Other grocery chains and retailers offer their own transfer services. Kroger, Safeway, and some regional chains have money transfer options at customer service desks. The process is the same: cash in, recipient's name and location, fee, and pickup within hours. These are worth checking if you have one of these stores nearby, since fees can be lower than national services.

The advantage of store-based transfers is lower cost and speed. The disadvantage is that both you and the recipient must have access to that specific store. If you are sending to someone in a different state or region where that store does not operate, you will need a different service.

Prepaid debit cards for sending money to someone you know

A prepaid debit card is a card you load with cash and can give to another person to use. You buy the card at a store or online, load it with the amount of money you want to send, and hand it to the recipient. They can use it to make purchases or withdraw cash at an ATM. This works well when you are sending money to someone you trust — a family member, close friend, or someone you know well.

Cards like Green Dot, NetSpend, and Walmart MoneyCard can be loaded at retail locations with cash. Some have monthly fees ($5 to $10), while others charge per transaction or per ATM withdrawal. If you are sending a one-time amount, the total cost depends on the card's fee structure. For example, a Walmart MoneyCard might cost $3 to $5 to load, plus any withdrawal fees the recipient pays.

The main risk is that prepaid cards offer less protection than bank accounts if the card is lost or stolen. Once the money is on the card, the recipient can spend it, and you cannot reverse the transaction. Only use this method with people you trust completely.

Digital payment apps and online services

Services like PayPal, Square Cash, and Venmo let you send money digitally, but they require a bank account or debit card to fund the transfer. Since you do not have a bank account, you would need to load money onto a prepaid card first, then link that card to the app. This adds an extra step and may not be worth the effort for a single transfer.

Wise (formerly TransferWise) specializes in international transfers and is cheaper than Western Union for sending money across borders. However, it also requires a debit card or bank account to send funds. If you have access to a prepaid debit card, you can use it with Wise, but the process is more complicated than walking into a store.

For most people without a bank account, in-person money transfer services are simpler and faster than digital apps. Digital services become useful once you have a bank account or a prepaid card you use regularly.

International transfers without a bank account

Sending money to another country without a bank account is possible but more expensive. Western Union and MoneyGram both operate internationally and accept cash at their retail locations. You provide the recipient's name, country, and city, and they pick up the cash at a Western Union or MoneyGram location there. Fees are higher — sending $100 to the Philippines, for example, might cost $15 to $25.

Some countries have specialized services. Remitly and OFX focus on international transfers but require a debit card to send. If you are sending to Mexico, BBVA Bancomer and other Mexican banks accept cash transfers through Western Union and MoneyGram. The recipient can pick up the money at a bank branch or retail location in their country.

Exchange rates matter for international transfers. The service converts your dollars at their rate, which is usually higher than the official rate. For larger amounts, the difference adds up. Always ask what the exchange rate is before you send, so you know how much the recipient will actually receive.

Comparing costs and choosing the right service

The cheapest option depends on the amount and destination. For domestic transfers under $500, Walmart-to-Walmart is usually the cheapest. For amounts over $500, Western Union and MoneyGram sometimes offer better rates. For international transfers, Western Union is widely available, but Wise is cheaper if you can load a prepaid card first.

Before you send, ask yourself three questions: How much are you sending? Where is it going? How fast does it need to arrive? A $50 transfer to someone in the same city might cost $3 to $5 with Walmart. A $500 international transfer might cost $30 to $50 depending on the country. Calling ahead or checking the service's website for current fees takes five minutes and can save you money.

Keep your receipt and the reference number the service gives you. If something goes wrong, you will need these to track the transfer or dispute a charge. Most services let you check the status of a transfer online or by phone using the reference number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money to someone without a bank account?

Yes. Money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram let the recipient pick up cash at a physical location, so they do not need a bank account. The recipient does need a valid ID to collect the money. Prepaid cards also work if you give the card itself to the recipient.

What is the fastest way to send cash?

Walmart-to-Walmart and in-store Western Union transfers are fastest for domestic money. The recipient can pick up cash within minutes to a few hours. International transfers take longer — usually one to three business days — because the money has to be routed through banks in the destination country.

How much does it cost to send money without a bank account?

Fees range from $3 to $25 depending on the amount and destination. Walmart charges $3 to $8 for domestic transfers under $1,000. Western Union and MoneyGram charge $5 to $15 for similar amounts. International transfers cost more, typically $15 to $50 for amounts under $500.

What if the recipient loses the money I send?

If you send cash through a money transfer service and the recipient loses it before picking it up, the money is gone. Once they collect it, it is their responsibility. If the transfer never arrives, the service will investigate and refund you. Keep your receipt and reference number to prove you sent the money.

Can I send money to someone in jail or prison?

You cannot send cash directly, but most prisons have systems for depositing money into an inmate's account. Contact the facility's business office to learn their process. Some prisons use services like JPay or Securus that let you deposit money online or by phone. Fees vary by facility.